I won’t be surprised – Sports Minister Kofi Adams on André Ayew’s Black Stars return
25th March 2026
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Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, says a potential return of André Ayew to the Ghana national football team would not come as a surprise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though he emphasised the final decision lies with the technical team.
Ayew has not featured for Ghana since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars exited at the group stage. The 36-year-old has since returned to club football, joining NAC Breda after a six-month spell without a team following his departure from Le Havre.
His return to action has reignited debate over whether the experienced forward should be recalled to the national side ahead of this summer’s tournament.
“Fortunately, I’m the minister. Unfortunately, I’m not the coach. The coach has the final say on this. If they include him, why not? I won’t be surprised,” Adams told Graphic Sports.
Ayew was notably absent from Ghana’s squad for upcoming friendlies against the Austria national football team and the Germany national football team later this month.
Since joining NAC Breda, the forward has made 11 appearances and scored once, form that has divided opinion among fans and pundits, but continues to fuel calls for his reintegration.
Ghana’s most capped player remains a significant figure in the country’s football history, having represented the Black Stars at multiple international tournaments, including the World Cup.
As preparations intensify, attention will now turn to head coach Otto Addo, who will ultimately decide whether experience or fresh legs will shape Ghana’s squad for the global stage.